Mongol (Mongolian) Nationality

 Distribution and Population:

With a population of 5,813,947, Mongol ethnic minority is distributed primarily in the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region along with others in provinces like Qinghai, Gansu, Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang, etc. This ethnic minority is brave and unconstrained with a profound history. Though they called themselves 'Mongol', meaning everlasting fire, other people refer to them as 'an ethnic minority on the horseback'.

 History:
They originated from a tribe in Northern China in the seventh century of the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). In the 12th century, a legendary leader, Temujin, unified the Mongolian tribes. Afterwards, Emperor Shizu Kublai established the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368) when the Chinese territory reached its summit and the cultural communication had improved a great deal. In the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), they separated into two branches.

 Language and Literature:
Their language belongs to the Mongolian group of the Altaic phylum and has three main dialects. The written form is derived from that of the 13th century and experienced many changes. The Mongolians have made brilliant achievements in their literature; the 'Mongolian Secret History' has been listed among the world's famous works by UNESCO.
Mongolians in their traditional clothes
Mongolians in their traditional clothes
Mongolian Language
Mongolian Language
 Economy:
They are living on vast grasslands; therefore, stockbreeding played a major role in their development, together with agriculture, handicrafts, and other processing industries.

 Religion:
In the 16th century they believe in Shamanism but turned to Lamaism in the Yuan Dynasty.

 Food:
Mongolian Lamaists
Mongolian Lamaists
They take milk and meat as their daily staple food and drink. They enjoy drinking the milk of sheep, horses, deer and camels. Kumiss, fermented out of horse milk, is a kind of distinctive wine with the function of driving out coldness and as well as strengthening the stomach. Tender, boiled mutton, 'Shouzhua Rou' in Chinese, is representative, too, of their traditional food. These people were so skilled in their cooking that they were able to cut the meat into pieces without chopsticks.

 Festival:
The grandest festival is the Nadam Fair for five to seven days during late August. Mongolian people, in new clothes, will gather from many areas. Many will participate in the exciting competitions of shooting, wrestling, and horse-riding.

 Customs:
Dance Show, Nadam Fair of Mongolian Minority
Dance Show, Nadam Fair
They are unconstrained and warm-hearted people as they treat others warmly and politely. They greet everyone they meet during their travels even they do not know each other. To present hada which represents holy and auspice, and to hang it onto the guest's neck means that they consider their guests are very distinguished. The guests should bend forward as a way to express their gratitude.

When visitors go to a Mongolian's home, they will be treated very well by being given wine. But they must fully respect their hosts' customs such as: they will not step on the threshold, sit beside the niche of Buddha, and touch children's heads, etc. They admire fire and water so guests should not dry their feet or boots on the stove, nor should they wash or bathe in the river, as it is holy and clean in their eyes. In the Mongolian culture, colors are significant. At a Mongolian funeral, red and white should be avoided, whereas during their festivals, black and yellow should not be used.

 More Ethnic Groups in Inner Mongolia:
Manchu     Hui     Daur     Ewenki     Oroqen
- Last updated on Apr. 20, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on Mongol Nationality
Asked by Rebecca | May. 22, 2014 16:54Reply
My family and I are considering moving to inner Mongolia. How do they treat foreigners moving there?
Answers (2)
Answered by Nelson from UNITED KINGDOM | May. 23, 2014 03:02
56Reply


I heard people there are very friendly, so I believe ur family will lead a happy life together.
Answered by Nagii from CHINA | Sep. 13, 2017 09:22
10Reply


Most of them are Chinese ( Han)... There are not so many mongols live in there (comparing to the Chinese Han)..... If you go to the countryside (like grassland) there will be more Mongols, and you can experience different culture from Chinese (han) culture.
Asked by Mrs.Helena Brikke from JAKARTA | Jun. 08, 2009 08:48Reply
Can someone give me info on mongolian origins of many indigenous people in latin america (aymara and indios)and maybe Asia??
Answers (1)
Answered by Mrs.Deborah from NEW | Jul. 15, 2009 13:09
24Reply


I do not know of any but as I am doing research on Mongol communities around the world I would be very interested if you get an answer to your query. Thanks Deborah
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